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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Measurement of the Hand Transmitted Vibration of the Human Hand Arm System During Operation of a Hand Tractor
Published on: June 16, 2021
Upper extremity disability in workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome
Ron House1, Michael Wills, Gary Liss
1Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. houser@smh.toronto.on.ca
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|March 6, 2009
Summary
Workers with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) experience significant upper extremity disability. Musculoskeletal factors, particularly pain, greatly contribute to this disability, impacting daily function.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Vibration-induced Injuries
Background:
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a prevalent occupational health issue.
- Understanding the extent of disability associated with HAVS is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify upper extremity disability in HAVS workers using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.
- To investigate the influence of vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal factors on HAVS-related disability.
Main Methods:
- 139 workers diagnosed with HAVS were recruited from a specialized clinic.
- Clinical assessments included evaluation of HAVS components and musculoskeletal variables, alongside the DASH questionnaire and Borg pain scale.
Main Results:
- HAVS workers exhibited significantly higher DASH scores compared to the general US population.
- Upper extremity pain, Stockholm sensorineural scale scores, and finger blanching were significantly associated with increased DASH scores.
- Upper extremity pain was the strongest predictor of disability.
Conclusions:
- Workers with HAVS experience substantial upper extremity disability.
- Musculoskeletal factors, especially pain, play a significant role in the disability experienced by HAVS patients.
